Increasing home value

When you buy a property, the chances are that it’ll need some sort of refurbishment or renovation. It’s very unlikely that the previous owners decorated it to your taste and it may be that you spent less money on the house so you could spend more doing it up.

If you’re thinking of selling your house soon, you may want to improve its condition or appeal and therefore increase its value when it goes on the market. Unfortunately, with many home improvements you will not recover your costs, although they may improve the charm of your property.

However, there are certain ways in which you can add value to your home which don’t necessarily involve spending huge amounts of money.

Add a garage

If your home doesn’t have off-road parking or is permit only, adding a secure place for cars can really help increase your appeal to buyers. The price of a garage can vary quite significantly, but is often one of the few additions to your home that allows you to recoup your costs.

Build an extension

If your house is on the small side, adding an extension can be a fabulous way to give yourself more space and increase the value of your home. An extra bedroom can really add value, as can an extra bathroom if the house only has one. Be careful not to build for the sake of it, as it can put people off.

Convert your loft

If your family is outgrowing your home, converting the loft into a bedroom and en-suite bathroom can add valuable space without encroaching on your garden. Loft conversions don’t usually require planning permission either, but they will need proper loft access so make sure you research it properly.

Paint the walls

Repainting inside and outside walls can make all the difference. Rooms look better cared for and the house appears more welcoming. Stick to neutral colours so that people aren’t intimidated and this will make your home seem more appealing. If you don’t have time to paint the outside walls as well, just give them a good wash.

Replace the windows

If your home has old windows, putting new, more efficient ones in can help to increase the value of your home. Newer windows keep heat in and are more energy efficient. If you live in a period home however, putting brand new uPVC windows in may actually put people off buying your home.

Modernise the kitchen

If your kitchen is decades old it may be worth investing in a new one. If it’s satisfactory, then you can increase its potential by replacing cupboard doors and tiles. It’s also worth having leaky taps fixed and checking the plumbing. Never spend thousands on a garish kitchen that new owners would immediately rip out.

Remove the walls

If your house is quite small, an open-plan feel will open it up and make it look bigger. Kitchen-cum-dining rooms make life easier and are much friendlier, especially these days when the kitchen isn’t just for cooking.

Add a bathroom

The queue for the bathroom can be a nightmare, especially if you have teenagers, so putting in a downstairs shower room or cloakroom can really make the difference. They don’t take up much space either so won’t intrude into valuable driveway or grassy space. It also increases your appeal to buyers.

Tidy the garden

Keeping your garden in order can make your house more appealing to future buyers and can give you the edge on an asking price. If you’re not a gardener, make sure grass is mown and flower beds are tidy so that the garden’s potential is obvious.

Finally…

Tempting though it may be, a swimming pool, hot tub or Jacuzzi will probably not increase the value of your property. The weather in the UK is too temperamental and the maintenance costs of a pool are extremely high.

How can John Lewis Home Insurance help?

If you’re looking to increase the value of your home, it’s important to check that your home insurance policy still covers it. If you’re adding extra rooms to your home, you may want to consider Specialist Home Insurance which provides a higher level of cover for homes with more than six bedrooms.

John Lewis Home Insurance offers Buildings and Contents Insurance to protect your home and belongings. You can also choose Accidental Damage Cover, so that if you are attempting to install a bathroom yourself and something gets broken or damaged, you could be covered.

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